A punk rocker known for his raunchy lyrics against Fidel Castro was convicted of public disorder but freed after the court dismissed a more serious 'social dangerousness' charge.

After a two-hour trial, the Cuban court ordered Gorki Aguila, 39, to pay a 600 peso (£12) fine and released him. Aguila screamed 'Freedom!' as he was being led into the courtroom.

Upon his release, he said: 'I am very proud of all the people who have supported me, and I feel even more hate for this tyranny.' The fine is big money in a country where nearly everyone, Aguila included, works for the state and earns an average of 408 pesos (£8) a month.

Aguila was arrested on Monday as his band rehearsed at the modest Havana apartment he shares with his father.

The case sparked international outcry but caused little stir on the island, where the band has only a small but devoted following. It is known for ridiculing the communist system, especially Castro.